On August 6, 2025, no earlier than 5:30 p.m., the Tacoma Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the sections of the Tacoma Municipal Code pertaining to the Historic Preservation Program. Anticipated changes include:
- The process and criteria for the creation of local historic districts
- The improvement of cultural resource protections
- Broader access to the tool that addresses Special Tax Valuation (a property tax incentive that temporarily reduces property assessed value for historic buildings that have been renovated)
- Demolition review requirements
- The potential creation of a commemorative (non-regulatory) sites register
The public hearing will be conducted in a hybrid format with in-person (Tacoma Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 747 Market St., 1st Floor) and virtual participation options.
Two community information sessions will also be held in advance of the public hearing:
- Virtual: July 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)Â
- In-Person: July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Mottet Branch of the Tacoma Public Library, 3523 E. G St.)
Community members may submit written comments to the Planning Department at planning@tacoma.gov or the Tacoma Planning Commission, 747 Market Street, Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402 by 5 p.m. on August 8, 2025. The Planning Commission will use the input received during the public comment period to finalize its recommendations to the City Council.
Details are available at tacoma.gov/project/historic-preservation-code-update.
Community members with questions, or requests to receive information in an alternate format, can contact Historic Preservation Officer Reuben McKnight at rmcknigh@tacoma.gov.